Lusaka, Zambia – 10th June 2025
In a press briefing held yesterday, the Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa MP, addressed the nation regarding the passing of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. The Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a dignified and respectful send-off for the late leader while condemning attempts by some political figures to exploit the tragedy for political gain.
Government Working Closely with Lungu Family
Hon. Mweetwa emphasised that the Government is actively collaborating with the family of the late former President to ensure that all protocols and funeral arrangements align with the family’s wishes.
“Our priority is to accord President Lungu the honour and respect befitting his stature as a former Head of State,” he stated. “This is a time for national mourning, not political opportunism.”
Condemnation of Political Exploitation
The Minister expressed deep regret over what he described as the “unseemly politicisation” of the former President’s death by certain Patriotic Front (PF) leaders.
“It is highly regrettable that some individuals are turning this solemn occasion into a platform for political squabbles and baseless accusations,” Mweetwa said. “The PF leadership appears more focused on leveraging this tragedy for political relevance rather than joining the nation in mourning.”
He urged all leaders to act responsibly, in line with Zambia’s Christian values, and to refrain from inflaming tensions during this sensitive period.
Government Denies Allegations of Travel Restrictions and Withheld Benefits
Addressing claims that the late President’s medical evacuation was delayed due to government restrictions, Hon. Mweetwa firmly denied any such interference.
“At no point did this Government impose a travel ban on former President Lungu,” he asserted. “It is absurd that the same PF leaders who acknowledged his long-standing medical condition are now peddling falsehoods for political sympathy.”
Regarding allegations that the Government withdrew the former President’s entitlements, Mweetwa clarified that all benefits were lawfully forfeited when Mr. Lungu re-entered active politics.
“The law is clear—Chapter 15, Section 5 of the Laws of Zambia stipulates that a former President who returns to active politics forfeits certain state benefits,” he explained. “This was not a personal decision by the current administration but a legal requirement.”
He further noted that President Hakainde Hichilema’s government was the first in Zambia’s history not to lift the immunity of a predecessor, underscoring its commitment to the rule of law.
Dismissal of “Poisoning” Claims and South Africa Repatriation Rumours
The Minister also dismissed as “utterly baseless” insinuations that the former President may have been poisoned, stressing that such claims had no connection to the Zambian Government.
Additionally, he refuted reports that Zambian authorities stormed a South African medical facility demanding the repatriation of Mr. Lungu’s body.
“If such an incident occurred, it was without the knowledge or approval of the Zambian Government,” he said. “The PF’s allegations are not only false but a gross misrepresentation of our nation’s values.”
Call for Calm and Unity
Hon. Mweetwa urged the media—both local and international—to exercise caution and verify facts before amplifying unsubstantiated claims from PF officials.
“We cannot allow reckless statements to destabilise our nation,” he warned. “This is a time for unity, reflection, and giving our former President a send-off worthy of his service to Zambia.”
He called on all citizens to remain calm and honour the late President’s memory with dignity, respect, and patriotism.
#StayInformed | #MayHisSoulRestInPeace
